2 Post Lift Safe Use And Operation
Welcome to twopostlifts.co.uk the site has been created to provide advice and assistance to garage owners and managers when purchasing 2 post lifts it not only outlines correct working methods and procedures for the safe operation of two post lifts but also put you in touch with garage equipment industry leaders Garage Equipment Online who can supply you with high quality affordable two post lifts throughout the UK and Europe via our website www.garageequipmentonline.com
Updated guidelines and advice (Risk of vehicles falling off two-post vehicle lifts in motor vehicle repair (MVR) - Sector Information Minute 03/2010/02) has been issued to the Enforcing Authorities within the motor vehicle repair industry regarding the risks of vehicles falling from poorly designed two-post lifts.
The failure of these types of 2 post lifts have occurred where arm locking systems have been either missing or have ceased to work correctly.
The advice has been issued as a means of avoiding any further accidents involving 2 post lifts after two accidents one of which resulted in a fatality and the other leaving a motor vehicle repair operative in a very serious condition, in which vehicles falling off this type of two post lift struck and injured mechanics working below.
It was wholly agreed with representatives of the Motor Vehicle Repair industry, through the MVR Forum, that sufficient arm locking systems should be designed and fitted to all 2 post lifts.
It was further ordered that all remaining 2 post lifts without arm locking devices should be immediately decommissioned and taken out of use or scrapped.
Garage Equipment Online can supply you with a fully CE certified 2 post lift anywhere in the UK usually within two working days of order, please visit https://www.garageequipmentonline.com/products/2-post-lifts/ to see our range of amazing deals.
All of the two post lifts supplied by Garage Equipment Online are fitted with Arm locking mechanisms that are fully compliant with the EN1493 directive.
The entire range of two post lifts comes backed up with a full two year parts warranty and technical support because when you purchase a two post lift from GEO you are not just buying quality garage equipment you are also purchasing peace of mind.
The new directive EN1493 emphasises the overwhelming importance of properly documented daily inspections of your garages 2 post lifts ensuring that they are fully operational and safe for use, remember as the business owner/manager you are directly responsible for the health and safety of your mechanics/employees.
Daily checks of the critical parts of a 2 post lift should include,
Visual inspection of all rubber mounts ensuring that they are of sufficient thickness and that the metal-work of lifting arms has not broken through the rubber of the lifting pad.
Do a thorough daily test of locking mechanisms visually confirming that they are engaging and fully operational prior to any motor vehicle repair operative working underneath the two post lift.
Raise and lower 2 post lift several times whilst under load ensuring that the two post lifts is operating within the correct parameters.
Most of all use common sense as your guideline there are several basic safety measures that you should adopt when working underneath a 2 post lift.
Always strictly adhere to the 2 post lifts manufacturer's instructions regarding the maximum capabilities of the 2 post lift, paying particular attention to its maximum weight limits and also considering if the type of two post lift that you are using is suitable for lifting larger vehicles. (dimensions and stability)
Always identify the correct lifting points for the vehicle you are working on, as the removal of heavy vehicle components i.e. engines of gearboxes can considerably alter the vehicles weight distribution there have been documented accidents where the operative has simply applied a small amount of force to the vehicle by attempting to loosen a seized nut and the vehicle has fallen from the 2 post lift due to poorly aligned lifting pads/weight distribution. (Always check the vehicle user manual if you are if you are unsure as to the correct placement of rubber lifting pads.)
Prior to working underneath any 2 post lift, always lift the vehicle a short distance to physically check that the arm locking mechanisms have engaged by applying some force to them before fully elevating the vehicle.
By following these simple procedures we can all help to minimise the number of accidents in the motor repair industry involving the use of two post lifts.
The health and safety executive have also received a number of reports of 2 post lift collapses as a direct result of inadequate flooring with anchor bolts pulling free of weak concrete.
When Installing a 2 Post Lift you should ensure that you are using a reputable company such as Garage Equipment Online we will ensure that the concrete is of the correct strength prior to installing the two post lift, where no supporting evidence for the flooring specification is present, a series of test holes may need to be drilled and an expert opinion obtained before the installation of any hydraulic 2 post lifting system can begin.
One way in which businesses can help cover themselves in ensuring that a 2 post lift is being installed correctly is by using 2 post lift suppliers and installation engineers who are qualified to install your garage equipment such as Garage Equipment Online.
Here are some helpful links to Health and Safety executive publications providing advice on correct procedures for the safe use and operation of 2 post lifts.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg261.htm health and safety in motor vehicle repair and associated industries booklet.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg434.pdf working safely under vehicle being repaired.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg434.htm working safely under motor vehicles guidance.
We at Garage Equipment Online take safety in the motor vehicle repair industry very seriously, So should you! we hope that you find this information useful and remember for all your garage equipment needs and requirements from Tyre Changers and 2 Post Lifts to Wheel balancers and MOT Bays all VOSA approved and conforming to all UK and European safety regulations please visit www.garageequipmentonline.com
The Garage Equipment Online Team
Managing Director Garage Equipment Online
Tel +44 (0)151 601 4945